2023: Obasanjo Distances Self From Endorsing Tinubu; Warns Ooni Against Canvassing For Him

By Akinwale Kasali

Following speculations and media reports that former President, Olusegun Aremu Obasanjo has endorsed the aspiration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu of becoming Nigeria’s  President in 2023, the elder statesman has distanced himself from any  such endorsement.

It was alleged in the media that the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeneye Ogunwusi, had said that the former Military Head of State has backed the ambition of the two term Governor of Lagos State.

Reacting to the statement, Obasanjo, over the weekend, advised the Monarch to strike a balance between his role as a Royal Father and politics in Yoruba land.

Obasanjo spoke at the conferment of chieftaincy titles on the Director-General of International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Dr Nteranya Sanginga and his wife, Charlotte,  by the Ooni at his palace in Ile-Ife, Osun State.

The Ooni was quoted by blogs and the media to have said at an undisclosed occasion that the the South West must speak with one voice in 2023 by supporting the presidential ambition of Tinubu.

The Traditional Ruler was also quoted to have said Obasanjo had agreed with him on the need for the people of the Southwest to back the former Lagos Governor to emerge Nigeria’s president in 2023.

This prompted Obasanjo to advise the Imperial Majesty not to be partisan or direct the Yoruba people to support any presidential aspirant during the chieftaincy ceremony in Ile Ife on Saturday.

He reminded Ooni that as far as politics was concerned, even in the pre-independence era, the Yoruba usually had two strong sides, adding: “Please, don’t let politicians add to your burden.

“All the sons and daughters of Yoruba land, no matter where they are or their standpoint, will come to meet you. This is expected because you are the father of all.

“Any one of them who says that he is interested in politics, just pray for him and let them go. Anyone who approaches you and says that he wants to be President or Governor, just pray for such a person and let him go.

“Don’t direct Yoruba people to support any aspirant, as we don’t all go in the same direction, which is part of our strength in Yoruba land,” he said.

The former President commended the dedication of Sanginga, a Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) national,  to agriculture, food and nutrition security in Africa, and applauded their conferment as the Aare and Yeye Aare Afurugbin-Ola of the Source respectively.

The title conferment was in recognition of the Director-General’s passion for the development of agriculture in Africa. He was urged to see the honour as a challenge to do more for the continent.

Obasanjo, who is the IITA Ambassador also commended the Ooni for the choice of Sanginga and his wife for the chieftaincy titles, saying that they were both worthy of the honour.

“I commend Your Imperial Majesty for the bold step taken to honour this distinguished African who has dedicated his life to agriculture, food security and nutrition in Africa.

“I want to assure you these new chiefs will not disappoint you; that they will not disappoint Ife indigenes and the entire Yoruba race.

“I know and I am sure that they will live up to the honour that you have bestowed on them,” he said.

Speaking at the occasion, Ooni Ogunwusi appreciated the IITA Director-General’s passion for agricultural development in Africa.

According to him, in spite of the balkanisation of Africa by the Europeans, Africans will continue to remain one and indivisible.

“I’m impressed with your modest achievements as a true son of Africa. You have been doing all within your capacity to ensure food sufficiency in the continent.

“All through the years, you have developed passion for agriculture and the results are feasible everywhere,” the traditional ruler said.

In his acceptance speech, Sanginga applauded Ooni for the fatherly role he had been playing, not only in Yoruba land, but all over the country.

He also commended Oba Ogunwusi for counting him and his wife worthy of the honour, pledging that he would continue to support him in all ways.